We’re starting to get into the festive season, and there’s plenty of holiday spirit in the best releases that dropped the week of November 7.
This list includes the first rye whiskey to come from a major distillery in Scotland, a Christmasy San Francisco whiskey, a liquid ode to the first sunrise of the year, and many more interesting drams from all around the world.
Read on to discover the best whiskeys that dropped the week of November 7.
The Laddie Rye Whisky by Bruichladdich
Food & Wine reported on November 3 that Bruichladdich, an Islay whisky brand, has released a new whisky, and it’s not something you see every day. The Laddie Rye Whiskey is distilled from a mashbill of 55% rye and 45% barley, and it’s the first rye whisky produced on Islay from a well-known distillery to boot.
Scotch is typically made from malted barley, barring the grain whiskies that often come from the Lowlands. Rye is definitely having a bit of a moment — even as the spirits industry faces multiple headwinds. This spicy Scottish spirit features an MSRP of $60. It spent time aging in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and virgin American oak barrels.
The whisky has a floral quality, with crackling white pepper and black licorice, according to the brand.
Double Barrel Bourbon and Double Barrel Rye by Cedar Ridge
Iowa-based Cedar Ridge announced the annual release of its Double Barrel Bourbon and Double Barrel Rye whiskeys on Nov. 5. The whiskeys will be available for purchase on Nov. 7. According to Cedar Ridge’s Master Distiller Murphy Quint, the whiskeys are “the most anticipated releases” from the brand each year.
Cedar Ridge discloses that the double barrel bourbon posesses a mashbill of 74% corn, 14% rye and 12% malted barley. The whiskey is transferred to an American oak barrel for the finishing process and the final ABV clocks in at a modest 105 proof.
As for its sister expression, the limited-release rye, the liquid is distilled from a mashbill of 85% rye, 12% corn and 3% malted barley. It clocks in at 105 proof and hosts an MSRP of $59.99.
Cowboy Bourbon by Garrison Brothers
On Nov. 5, Garrison Brothers announced that it would be dropping its 2025 Edition of Cowboy Bourbon on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the distillery’s facilities in Hye, Texas.
This marks the 11th release of the rare bourbon that is hand-chosen by Garrison Brothers’ Master Distiller Donnis Todd. It spends 8 years aging, and this year’s release clocks in at above hazmat-proof at 146.4. Just 10,000 bottles are available.
With a price of $249.99, Garrison Brothers’ Cowboy Bourbon is described as “strong and mean at first,” and Todd warns drinkers that they might drool a little bit if they aren’t careful. This bourbon possesses a warmth that never ends, coupled with layers of dried fruit and toasted marshmallow.
A Night On Earth The First Light by The Macallan
The Spirits Business reported on Nov. 4 that The Macallan unveiled A Night on Earth: The First Light, a whisky to honor the first sunrise on January 1. Interestingly enough, it takes place in New Zealand. The Macallan’s whisky maker, Russell Grieg, claimed, according to The Spirits Business, that this release was about “light” and the “sensory warmth” associated with it.
The brand shares that the nose is warm, with aromas of Manuka honey — a product from New Zealand. The whiskey boasts aromas of berry compote and toasted marshmallows. The finish is full of light spices and oak.
Macallan encourages drinkers to enjoy this whisky with fruity and light desserts, like a pavlova. The whisky costs $129.
2025 Christmas Spirit from Old Potrero
San Francisco’s own Old Potrero unveiled the 2025 release of Christmas Spirit, and just 462 bottles exist. Old Potrero distilled this release from a San Franciscan Christmas Spiced Ale, which dates back to 2015.
Twice distilled in copper pot stills, the whiskey spent nine years aging in ex-Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey barrels to imbue it with a minty, evergreen rye quality. Old Potrero’s Christmas Spirit costs approximately $139.99 for a 700 ml bottle.
According to Old Potrero, this whiskey has a bouquet of spiced fruitcake, candied oranges, and wintergreen. The flavor is all ginger and sweet malt, coupled with baking spice.
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